How wide is the gap between civilian and military view of Memorial Day?

2015-05-25T10:07:35-04:00

We are the United States citizens who are wearing the uniform in our nation's armed forces. We are part of the military but also part of the caplitalist community around us. How wide is the gap between civilians and military in understanding Memorial Day? No crime to have a sale. I bought something on sale this weekend. But I have heard store managers and clerks tell me they "live for Memorial Day." Has retail completely co-opted the original purpose of Memorial Day?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-05-25T10:14:55-04:00

I'd say it's pretty wide, sir. Especially between the military "family" and civilians who have not served themselves or who have not had family members serve. Your image tells the story in my opinion. I've said before that someone famous (I've forgotten who now) said that "The American military has gone to war, but Americans are going to the mall." That's actually a paraphrase of the quote, but I think it accurately describes the gap you mention.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 25 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-05-25T10:15:26-04:00

Memorial day for me has become a time when I want to be alone or at least be with my immediate family members. On this day, it is hard not to think about my deployments, the things I have seen and done, the people I share my experiences with and most importantly, I think about the good people I have lost. I think about all the memorials I have ever been to; its heavy on my heart. I wasn't always like this. It is day I would rather just stay home, drink some beer, and cook some good food. I don't know how I would react if I went to a memorial such the ones where people actually mourn. I am afraid that a flood of emotion would take over. Far as sales go, it is the commercialized side of the memorial day I'd rather avoid.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 25 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-05-25T10:17:05-04:00

Having worked retail for years, the commercialization has gotten out of control on all holidays.

20 years ago, the idea of being open on Thanksgiving was insane. Now, many of the big stores open at 2pm.

We've had sales on Memorial Day for as long as I can remember however. Part of this is from shifting from brick & mortar to online presences, and the need to drive as much business as possible. Part of it is the captive audience mentality. If people are off anyways, it's a good day to have a sale.

It's not that retail has co-opted the meaning of the holidays it's that there have been subtle shifts in view regarding what is acceptable, and the service industry as a whole does not accept closing down for a day, period. And if the rest of the populace is off, they may as well drive as much business as possible.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 25 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-05-25T10:23:23-04:00

If I am going to see some sale signs on memorial weekend, I want to see something like "steaks 75% off", "beer 50% off", and "hand and power tools 75% off".

Speak of the devil, a Harbor Freights just arrived in my email in box for memorial weekend.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-05-25T10:23:24-04:00

I am pretty sure the day means more to the military members and it should. That said I am also sure there are many non military who also know the true meaning of the day.

Too many in both military and civilian world look at it as just a long weekend or a chance to buy something at a savings.

In the end is it what it means to you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-05-25T10:58:42-04:00

The gap is huge....go to your Facebook page and see what your military friends are posting compared to your non-military friends. I bet all of your military friends are posting about lost battle buddies and how they are remembering them where as your non-military friends are posting about their BBQ and get together with friends.

As for retail stores, they have have to make money to stay profitable. Why not take advantage of a holiday? They know people will be off and will want something to do. Why not lure them in with savings on products they want?

What makes me made is when they lose focus on the true meaning of the holiday the are exploiting. Memorial Day is supposed to be a day of remembrance for the fallen heroes. Some of the civilians out there could care less about this day and treat it as the start of their summer with big BBQs and parties, that's their prerogative. Most of the civilian population will set aside a few moments to give remember acne and than party and BBQ.

Us service members will treat this day for what it is intended for as most of us lost service members or know someone who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. It pains us that some people don't take it serious and give the rememberance be to those that have given all. Those that treat it like a normal day have never had to face the emotions of losing a battle buddy and I can understand that.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made May 25 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-05-25T12:06:45-04:00

Have you been to the Grand Canyon?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-05-25T12:06:46-04:00

I believe the meaning is lost a little with each generation. I'm not sure they have internally tried to destroy the meaning of holidays. But competition is though for retail outlets against internet sales. And in todays society there is more emphasis put on ones self then looking out or giving to others. All for one and me for me!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-05-25T12:14:17-04:00

I think it varies depending on where you live. The current community that I'm an stationed at doesn't normally see active duty military as much and they seem to show more patriotism on a daily basis because there is no major military installation close by. Although major retailers in the area may try to capitalize on the Meorial Day weekend, I believe small business owners and the majority of the citizens in the area understand the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 25 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-05-25T12:53:21-04:00

I think many of the civilians who cheered the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq have become apathetic as the wars continue at an uncertain beat. It's in their minds, but they lock they lock them up and become indifferent to everything associated with the wars.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 25 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-05-25T20:30:08-04:00

"America isn't at war, the military is. America is at the mall."

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 25 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-05-25T23:20:07-04:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-think-it-is-true-that-u-s-military-and-civilians-are-increasingly-divided-what-makes-you-think-that

Do you think it is true that U.S. military and civilians are increasingly divided? What makes you...

While the U.S. waged a war in Vietnam 50 years ago with 2.7 million men conscripted from every segment of society, less than one-half of 1% of the U.S. population is in the armed services today - the lowest rate since World War II. America's recent wars are authorized by a U.S. Congress whose members have the lowest rate of military service in history, led by three successive commanders in chief who never served on active duty. Surveys suggest...

Response by SSG Linda Holt made May 26 at 2015 12:39 AM

2015-05-26T00:39:12-04:00

Memorial Day needs to be restored to its original date of May 3oth, no matter what day of the week that happens to land on. It should be treated the same as Veterans Day, which is always held on Nov. 11th. If it's primary purpose is simply to give people a 3-day weekend, it's going to be treated by most people as a time for having fun and relaxing. Which is fine but, change the name from Memorial Day to National Fun and Relaxation Day.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-05-26T00:47:30-04:00

Every weekend holiday is like that --Labor Day Presidents Day and Memorial Day. Another reason to push for a return to 30 May just as they did with 11 Nov. for Veterans Day. However look at it this way, they gave their live for a country where we are free and have a higher standard of livinf that most countries. We are free to enjoy the Bbqs ans sales. All I ask is thay we all take a few moments to think about the reason for the holiday!

Response by SPC Charmaine Kelly made Oct 3 at 2019 1:14 AM

2019-10-03T01:14:34-04:00

Yes it all about sales..who giving or having the biggest sales...